ORLANDO PRIDE TRIO JOINS COPPER QUEENS CAMP, SQUAD GROWS TO 22

26.05.2025 | Football DNA ⚽️

The Copper Queens have received a timely boost ahead of their upcoming international friendlies, with the arrival of the Orlando Pride trio — Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda, and Prisca Chilufya — at the national team camp.

The three USA-based stars joined the squad after fulfilling their club duties in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), increasing the number of players in camp to 22. Their presence adds significant firepower and international experience to Coach Nora Häuptle’s side as preparations intensify for the 2025 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) set to take place in Morocco from 5–26 July.

Two players are still expected to join the squad — Racheal Kundananji of Bay FC and Racheal Nachula of Hapoel Jerusalem — to complete the 24-member list. Both are expected to report later today and tomorrow.

The Copper Queens are scheduled to face Botswana on 31 May and South Africa’s Banyana Banyana on 3 June in Pretoria, with both friendlies falling within the official FIFA international window. The matches are set to provide key insights into the team’s readiness for the continental showpiece.

The squad has already been bolstered by the earlier arrival of key players including Turkey-based defenders Martha Tembo and Lushomo Mweemba, as well as a strong contingent from China featuring Ireen Lungu, Xiomara Mapepa, Fridah Mukoma, and Kabange Mupopo. A solid core of local talent rounds out the team’s depth and versatility.

With high expectations and growing momentum, the Copper Queens are determined to make a bold statement ahead of WAFCON 2025.

FINAL 24-MEMBER SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS

Mwila Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes)

Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows)

Eunice Sakala (Indeni Roses)

DEFENDERS

Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba (Hakkarigucu Spor, Turkey)

Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows)

Margaret Gondwe (Green Buffaloes)

Judith Soko (ZESCO Ndola Girls)

Pauline Zulu (ZANACO Ladies)

MIDFIELDERS

Ireen Lungu (Sichuan, China)

Xiomara Mapepa (Beijing Jingstan FC, China)

Racheal Nachula (Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel)

Grace Chanda, Prisca Chilufya (Orlando Pride, USA)

Evarine Susan Katongo, Natasha Nanyangwe (Green Buffaloes)

Rhoda Chileshe (Indeni Roses)

Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles Queens)

Mapalo Maluba (Nchanga Rangers Queens)

Mary Wilombe (Red Arrows)

STRIKERS

Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride, USA)

Fridah Mukoma (Beijing Jingstan FC, China)

Kabange Mupopo (Henan WFC, China)

Racheal Kundananji (Bay FC, USA)